Distracted Driving and Serious Accidents

Distracted driving is a serious problem in Nevada, leading to severe accidents that can result in injuries or deaths.

Distracted Driving Resulting in Serious Injury Accidents

In Nevada, distracted driving has become a very serious problem. Cell phone use has skyrocketed, and modern vehicles also have many electronic gadgets that may distract people while they are driving. People should keep their eyes on the road and pay attention to other drivers to help prevent these types of accidents.

Many Different Distractions Can Cause Accidents

There are many different things that can distract a driver and result in accidents. Doing anything that takes the attention or eyes away from the road can be distracting, including such things as eating, talking to a passenger, adjusting the radio station or becoming absorbed in the scenery. Added to these traditional distractions now are the numerous electronic gadgets upon which people rely. Talking on cell phones and driving, texting and driving, looking at GPS devices and doing other such things can be very dangerous.

Statistics

According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, around 3,500 accidents each year are caused by distracted drivers. This figure represents 1/5 of the average number of accidents that occur in the state annually. Nationally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that an estimated 42,000 people are injured because of distracted driving every year. Both state and national statistics clearly show how dangerous this driving behavior is.

Nevada Laws and Distracted Driving

Because of the seriousness of the problem, Nevada has outlawed certain behaviors while people are behind the wheel. It is illegal for people to talk or text on cell phones while they are driving. It is also illegal for people to check GPS devices or to use other electronic gadgets while driving. Even checking messages at a red light is illegal in Nevada. The reason for these laws is to try to reduce the number of accidents that happen because of drivers who are not paying appropriate attention to the road and the motorists around them. When people engage in such activities while they are driving, they risk causing accidents that can result in catastrophic injuries to both themselves and to others. Injury lawyers may help victims of traffic accidents file lawsuits against such negligent drivers.